Foster Care Volunteer Program

Thank you for your interest in the Animal Defense League’s Foster Care Program. Animals who are not yet ready to be adopted are cared for by a network of volunteers who take them into their homes on a temporary basis. We are deeply grateful for the vital service provided by our foster families. The Foster Care Program has become an important part of San Antonio. There are countless numbers of orphaned and abandoned animals in our city who are either too young, or injured animals who cannot survive on their own and are in need of special care before being placed for adoption. For more information, callthe Foster Office at (210) 655-1481, ext 123 or email us at foster@adltexas.org. We offer helpful tips on how you can care for rescued newborn kittens and puppies CLICK HERE.

The Animal Defense League receives 100-200 requests per month for foster care. Unfortunately, we have a limited number of qualified foster families. We welcome volunteers.

Please visit the ADL Foster facebook Page to view many of ADL’s pets in need of Foster Parents and also be sure to stay connected with us by reading the ADL Foster Blog Articles. Many of our current pets in need are posted on these two forums on a regular basis.

Our dedicated team of Foster Care Parents provides temporary care for animals of all ages, sizes, and medical needs. Some need to be fostered for only a few days, while others may need extended care. Foster care is invaluable to these animals. We are continually seeking qualified Foster Parents. If you are interested in joining us, please complete the Foster Care Application. The Foster Care Coordinator will review each application and contact all candidates. ADL Foster Parents must be 21 years of age or older.

Older animals who have been at the shelter for a while, and who need help with socialization.

Important questions to consider before applying to become a Foster Parent:

Will I have the time to spend with the foster animal?
Most foster animals need a great deal of quality time to socialize. Do you have the time and patience to clean up after the foster animal? Young animals can be very messy when they eat and potty.

Are you able to separate the foster animals from your own animals?
Any foster animal under six weeks of age or a pregnant animal has not been give vaccinations. Although we believe the foster animal is healthy when we place her in foster care, she may be incubating an illness. We recommend you separate her from your own animals. All foster animals must be kept indoors (no garages, patios, sheds, etc).

Are you able to get to us quickly in an emergency?
It is the responsibility of the foster parent to monitor and report any signs or symptoms of illness. It may be necessary for the foster parent to bring the foster animal to us for an unscheduled appointment, or if after hours, to an emergency clinic with Foster Care Coordinator and Veterinarian approval.

Will you be able to bring the foster animal back at the end of the foster period?
For some, this is the hardest part of fostering!

The Animal Defense League works strictly on donations. We provide all food and cat litter when available for all of the fostered animals. Our veterinarians will always provide you with the necessary medications, tests, or treatments needed for the fostered animals.

Other Ways to Help

If you feel you cannot commit to being a foster parent at this time, but you would like to support our program, we are always in need of the following items and supplies:

Zip Lock Bags (gallon size): High Need

Animal Carriers (plastic): High Need

Baby Wipes (unscented): High Need

Pee Pads

Puppy Play Pens

Baby Gates

Esibilac or KMR Formula

Animal baby bottles

Electric heating pads

Vaporizers

Chicken/beef baby food

Blankets and towels

Dry puppy/kitten chow

Shallow food dishes

To foster an animal, you can sign up at our Adoption Center or print out the our Foster Care Application and fax it to the attention of Foster Coordinator at (210) 599-4015. If you have any questions, leave a message for the Foster Office at (210) 655-1481, ext 123, or email us at foster@adltexas.org.